Stackable carrier

ABSTRACT

A stackable carrier system is disclosed that includes, inter alia, a first carrier body which defines an interior storage cavity, for items such as food. The first carrier body has opposed end walls and a first pair of opposed cover flaps which extend from respective end walls. Each of the opposed cover flaps define an interlock tab. The system further includes a second carrier body which also defines an interior storage cavity and has opposed end walls and a first pair of opposed cover flaps which extend from respective end walls. Each of the opposed end walls define a reception slot therein. Wherein the interlock tabs associated with the opposed cover flaps of the first carrier body are adapted and configured to interlock within the reception slots formed in the opposed end walls of the second carrier body when the second carrier body is placed on top of the first carrier body.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/777,952 filed on Mar. 12, 2013 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates to a stackable carrier system for products, such as food which is supplied to customers of carry out restaurants or purchased in convenience stores, and more particularly to, a carrier system wherein individual carriers can be stacked, interconnected and transported as a unit.

2. Background of the Related Art

A long standing problem encountered by businesses, such as carry out restaurants, is the ability to package and distribute large quantities of food to customers who carry the food to a distant site for consumption. It is difficult for a customer to carry much more than a few food packages, bags or trays, if only the hands are available for use in carrying the food.

Food carriers are used when more substantial quantities of food must be carried. However, because the carriers must be relatively low in cost, they usually are relatively flimsy and are easily deformed to cause the food to spill from the carrier. Moreover, the amount of food a customer can carry is still limited to the number of carriers a customer can handle.

It is therefore desirable to provide a robust carrier system wherein individual carriers can be stacked, interconnected and transported as a unit and thus enable a customer to more easily carry large quantities of items, such as carry out food. Moreover, it would be advantageous to provide a carrier system in which the carriers can be flat shipped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a stackable carrier system for items, such as but not limited to, food that includes, inter alia, first and second carrier bodies. The first carrier body defines an interior storage cavity and has opposed end walls and a first pair of opposed cover flaps which extend from respective end walls. Each of the opposed cover flaps define an interlock tab. The second carrier body also defines an interior storage cavity and has opposed end walls which define a reception slot therein. Wherein the interlock tabs are adapted and configured to interlock with the reception slots when the second carrier body is placed on top of the first carrier body. It is envisioned that in certain embodiments, the second carrier body also includes a first pair of opposed cover flaps which extend from respective end walls.

In a preferred embodiment of the stackable carrier system disclosed herein, each carrier body further includes a bottom wall and opposing side walls, the end walls and side walls each extending upwardly from a perimeter of the bottom wall to define the interior storage cavity. Moreover, each carrier body can include a second pair of opposed cover flaps which each extend upwardly from a top edge of respective side walls, each cover flap including a handle section and is adapted for covering at least a portion of the interior cavity of the carrier body.

It is envision that each of the first pair of cover flaps can further include an elongated slit which is adapted for receiving the handle sections formed of the second pair of cover flaps and securely close the carrier. Sill further, each of the first pair of cover flaps can include a fold line which enables the height of the flap to be reduced

In certain constructions, the carriers are formed using a single blank of material. In such constructions the bottom wall can be formed by securing a plurality of lower flaps in overlapping, face-contacting relationship.

Preferably, a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the reception slots formed in the end walls. Moreover, a sculpted cut line can be used to create each of the interlock tabs formed in the first pair of cover flaps.

The present disclosure is further directed to a stackable carrier that includes, among other elements, a carrier body that has a bottom wall and opposing end walls and side walls extending upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom wall to define a interior cavity. Each end wall has a reception slot defined therein.

The carrier further includes a first pair of opposed cover flaps that each extend from a top edge of respective end walls. Each cover flap defines an interlock tab. It is envisioned that each interlock tab is adapted to be received within and interlock with a corresponding reception slot associated with a second carrier body when the second carrier is placed on top the first carrier body. Moreover, each of the first pair of cover flaps can include a fold line which enables the height of the flap to be reduced.

It is envisioned that the stackable carrier can further include a second pair of opposed cover flaps that each extend upwardly from a top edge of respective side walls. Each cover flap includes a handle section and is adapted for covering at least a portion of the interior cavity of the carrier body. Preferably, the first pair of cover flaps further includes an elongated slit which is adapted for receiving the handle sections formed of the second pair of cover flaps and securely close the carrier.

It is contemplated that each bottom wall can be formed by securing a plurality of lower flaps in overlapping, face-contacting relationship.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, a sculpted cut line can be used to create each of the reception slots formed in the end walls and a sculpted cut line can be used to create each of the interlock tabs formed in the first pair of cover flaps.

The present disclosure is further directed to a material blank for use in a stackable carrier system. The material blank can include, inter alia, first and second side panels and first and second end panel. Each side panel includes a wall section and a bottom flap and each end panel includes a wall section, a cover flap and a bottom flap. The wall section of each of the first and second end panels defines a reception slot and the cover flap of each of the first and second end panels defining an interlock tab. Wherein the four panels are connected to form the blank and the first and second end panels are positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second side panels and not each other.

In certain constructions, the first and second side panels each further include a cover flap. Moreover, the cover flaps associated with the first and second side panels can each include a handle section. In such a construction it is preferred, but not required that the cover flaps associated with the first and second end panels includes an elongated slit which is adapted for receiving the handle sections associated with the cover flaps of the first and second side panels. It is envisioned that the cover flap of each of the first and second end panels can include a fold line which enables the height of the flap to be reduced.

It is envisioned that the stackable carrier system of the present disclosure is made using paperboard. Although, the invention has been described in the context of a paperboard carrier, in other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that other suitable foldable sheet material may be used for forming the carrier (such as cardboard, plastics material and the like).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will more readily understand how to employ the systems and methods of the present invention, embodiments thereof will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 provides a plan view of a material blank which can be used in the stackable carrier system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a provides a perspective view of carrier shown in the open mode which has been constructed using the material blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 b provides a perspective view of carrier shown of FIG. 2 a shown in the closed mode; and

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a stackable carrier system which has been constructed in accordance with the present invention.

These and other aspects of the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein are detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the carrier systems, methods and assemblies of the present invention. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the systems, devices, methods and package assemblies described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a material blank 10 for use in a stackable carrier system which has been constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The material blank 10 can includes first and second side panels 20 a/20 b and first and second end panel 30 a/30 b. Each side panel 20 a/20 b includes a wall section 22 and a bottom flap 24 and each end panel includes a wall section 32, a cover flap 36 and a bottom flap 34. The wall section 32 of each of the first and second end panels 30 a/30 b defines a reception slot 38. The cover flap 36 of each of the first and second end panels 30 a/30 b defines an interlock tab 40.

As shown in FIG. 1, the four panels 20 a, 20 b, 30 a, 30 b which make up blank 10 are connected in an alternating side-by-side relationship. In other words, the panels are arranged such that each end panel 30 borders one or more side panels 20.

The first and second side panels 20 a/20 b each further include a cover flap 26. Moreover, the cover flaps 26 associated with the first and second side panels 20 a/20 b each include a handle section 28. As shown herein, the handle sections 28 and connected to the remainder of the cover flap 26 through a fold line or perforation line 50.

Still further, the cover flaps 36 associated with the first and second end panels 30 a/30 b includes an elongated slit 42 which is adapted for receiving the handle sections 28 associated with the cover flaps 26 of the first and second side panels 20 a/20 b. Lastly, the cover flap 36 of each of the first and second end panels 30 a/30 b includes a fold line 44 which enables the height of the flap 36 to be reduced.

The blank 10 also includes a number of fold lines which enable the blank to be converted into a carrier for items such as, but not limited to, food. For example, the wall sections 22/32 of the various panels 20 a/20 b/30 a/30 b are separated from the cover flaps 26/36 and bottom flaps 24/34 by a plurality of fold lines 46 a-46 h. Moreover, each panel 20 a/20 b/30 a/30 b is connected to an adjacent panel through a fold line. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the fold lines can be create in the blank using a variety of techniques, including cutting, scoring, and perforating for example.

It is envisioned that blank 10 is made using paperboard. However, although the invention has been described in the context of a paperboard carrier, in other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that other suitable foldable sheet material may be used for forming the carrier (such as cardboard, plastics material and the like).

Referring now to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b which illustrate a stackable carrier for products, such as food, which has been constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and has been designated as reference numeral 100. Stackable carrier 100 includes, among other elements, a carrier body 110 that has a bottom wall 124 and opposing end walls 130 a/130 b (only 130 a shown) and side walls 120 a/120 b (only 120 a shown) that extend upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom wall 124 to define a interior cavity. Each end wall 130 a/130 b has a reception slot 138 defined therein.

As best viewed in FIG. 2 a, the carrier 100 also includes a first pair of opposed cover flaps 136 that each extend from a top edge of respective end walls 130 a/130 b. Each cover flap 136 defines an interlock tab 140. As will be discussed in detail below and illustrated in FIG. 3, each interlock tab 140 is adapted to be received within and interlock with a corresponding reception slot 138 associated with a second carrier body when the second carrier is placed on top the first carrier body. Moreover, each of the first pair of cover flaps 136 includes a fold line 144 which enables the height of the flap 136 to be reduced.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, carrier 100 further includes a second pair of opposed cover flaps 126 that each extending upwardly from a top edge of respective side walls 120 a/120 b. Each cover flap 126 includes a handle section 128 and is adapted for covering at least a portion of the interior cavity of the carrier body 110. The first pair of cover flaps 136 further includes an elongated slit which is adapted for receiving the handle sections 128 formed of the second pair of cover flaps 126 and securely close the carrier, as shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the reception slots 138 formed in the end walls 130 a/130 b and a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the interlock tabs 140 formed in the first pair of cover flap 136.

Referring now to FIG. 3 which illustrates a stackable carrier system 200 that has been constructed in accordance with the present invention. Carrier system 200 includes, inter alia, first and second stackable carriers 100 a/100 b, each of which defines an interior storage cavity, for items such as food.

Each of the carriers 100 a/100 b is constructed as described with respect to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b. For example, each carrier 100 a/100 b has opposed end walls 130 a/130 b and a first pair of opposed cover flaps 136 which extend from respective end walls 130 a/130 b. Each of the opposed cover flaps 136 define an interlock tab 140. Moreover, each of the opposed end walls 130 a/130 b define a reception slot 138 therein. Wherein the interlock tabs 140 defined in each of the opposed cover flaps 136 of the first carrier 100 a are adapted and configured to interlock with the reception slots 138 formed in the opposed end walls 130 a/130 b of the second carrier 100 b when the second carrier 100 b is placed on top of the first carrier body 100 a, as shown in FIG. 3.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, though the invention has been described in the contact of a paperboard carrier, in other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that other suitable foldable sheet material may be used for forming the carrier (such as cardboard, plastics material and the like). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A stackable carrier system, comprising: a first carrier body which defines an interior storage cavity, the first carrier body having opposed end walls and a first pair of opposed cover flaps which extend from respective end walls and each of the opposed cover flaps define an interlock tab; and a second carrier body which defines an interior storage cavity, the second carrier body having opposed end walls which define a reception slot therein; and wherein the interlock tabs are adapted and configured to interlock with the reception slots when the second carrier body is placed on top of the first carrier body.
 2. A stackable carrier system as recited in claim 1, where the second carrier body further comprises a first pair of opposed cover flaps which extend from respective end walls.
 3. A stackable carrier system as recited in claim 1, wherein each carrier body further includes a bottom wall and opposing side walls, the end walls and side walls each extending upwardly from a perimeter of the bottom wall to define the interior storage cavity.
 4. A stackable carrier system as recited in claim 2, wherein each carrier body includes a second pair of opposed cover flaps each extending upwardly from a top edge of respective side walls, each cover flap including a handle section and is adapted for covering at least a portion of the interior cavity of the carrier body.
 5. A stackable carrier system as recited in claim 4, wherein each of the first pair of cover flaps associated with the second carrier further includes an elongated slit which is adapted for receiving the handle sections formed on the second pair of cover flaps of the second carrier and securely close the second carrier.
 6. A stackable carrier system as recited in claim 3, wherein each bottom wall is formed by securing a plurality of lower flaps in overlapping, face-contacting relationship.
 7. A stackable carrier system as recited in claim 1, wherein a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the reception slots formed in the end walls.
 8. A stackable carrier system as recited in claim 1, wherein a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the interlock tabs formed in the first pair of cover flaps.
 9. A stackable system as recited in claim 2, wherein each of the first pair of cover flaps associated with the first carrier includes a fold line which enables the height of the flap to be reduced.
 10. A stackable carrier, comprising: a carrier body having a bottom wall and opposing end walls and side walls extending upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom wall to define a interior cavity, each end wall having a reception slot defined therein; and a first pair of opposed cover flaps each extending from a top edge of respective end walls, each cover flap defining a interlock tab.
 11. A stackable carrier, as recited in claim 10, further comprising a second pair of opposed cover flaps each extending upwardly from a top edge of respective side walls, each cover flap including a handle section and adapted for covering at least a portion of the interior cavity of the carrier body.
 12. A stackable carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the first pair of cover flaps further includes an elongated slit which is adapted for receiving the handle sections formed of the second pair of cover flaps and securely close the carrier.
 13. A stackable carrier as recited in claim 10, wherein each bottom wall is formed by securing a plurality of lower flaps in overlapping, face-contacting relationship.
 14. A stackable carrier as recited in claim 10, wherein a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the reception slots formed in the end walls.
 15. A stackable carrier as recited in claim 10, wherein a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the interlock tabs formed in the first pair of cover flaps.
 16. A stackable carrier as recited in claim 10, wherein each of the first pair of cover flaps includes a fold line which enables the height of the flap to be reduced.
 17. A stackable carrier as recited in claim 10, wherein each interlock tab is adapted to be received within and interlock with a corresponding reception slot associated with a second carrier body when the second carrier is placed on top the first carrier body
 18. A material blank for use in a stackable carrier system, comprising: first and second side panels, each side panel including a wall section and a bottom flap, and first and second end panels, each end panel including a wall section, a cover flap and a bottom flap, the wall section of each of the first and second end panels defining a reception slot and the cover flap of each of the first and second end panels defining an interlock tab; and wherein the four panels are connected to form the blank such that the first and second end panels are positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second side panels and not each other.
 19. A material blank as recited in claim 18, wherein the first and second side panels each further include a cover flap.
 20. A material blank as recited in claim 19, wherein the cover flaps associated with the first and second side panels each include a handle section.
 21. A material blank as recited in claim 20, wherein each of the cover flaps associated with the first and second end panels further includes an elongated slit which is adapted for receiving the handle sections associated with the cover flaps of the first and second side panels.
 22. A material blank as recited in claim 18, wherein a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the reception slots formed in the wall section of each of the first and second end panels.
 23. A material blank as recited in claim 18, wherein a sculpted cut line is used to create each of the interlock tabs formed in the cover flap of each of the first and second end panels.
 24. A material blank as recited in claim 18, wherein the cover flap of each of the first and second end panels includes a fold line which enables the height of the flap to be reduced. 